It seems like I go through at least one flag a year, sometimes two. Usually the edges fray, and the stripes start to separate, and then I take it down. Since my stock is depleted, I figured I'd ask here to see what you guys and gals might have had luck with. I'm looking for a fairly inexpensive 3x5 that will last more than a year. Any recommendations?

If you are flying 24/7 or even sunlight 365, a year is fairly normal. There are some (industrial polyester) that will last longer, however, they don't "fly" as much as the nylon ones. They will also fade out prior to fraying out.

Home Depot sells a 3x5 for $19.95. That's pretty much the going rate unless you go el cheapo and those will cap out even faster.

Annin is an American flag maker. I believe Valley Forge is too.

Embroidered stars look leaps and bounds better than printed.

I also like to pitch business in the direction of CRW flags ( Website). They have good prices and historically accurate flags if you desire them. I gravitate toward early revolutionary flags.

Put your representative to work. Look here:

http://www.thecapitol.net/VisitingDC/usflag.htm

I don’t know about “fairly inexpensive,” but it’s hard to beat Valley Forge for quality. They quadruple stitch the leading edge AND box stitch the corners of that edge.

Annin tough tex flags are the best I've found. And they're relatively inexpensive.

Valley Forge is what I fly. US made and has been holding up to the coastal Louisiana sun and wind.

Mines a 5’x 8’

Instant karma..... email me your address. I have a 3x5 I’ll send you made by Valley Forge

Only stipulation is you need to post picture of it flying proud within 48hrs of receipt

Valley forge here, buy once cry once, and be happy!!!

Great thread timing.
I was just looking at mine this evening and said to myself time for a new one.
I got this one about 2 years back from Sams

I purchased this flag more than 18 months ago.

It's a US maker - Annin Flagmakers.

It's outside 365 days a year in Southern New England and is currently holding up well.

quote:

Originally posted by wreckdiver:
Valley forge here, buy once cry once, and be happy!!!

My Flags are $50 for An American Made Embroidered 4'x6'
I've tried various materials The Nylon "fly's" the best.
I live in a High Wind area and both the Annin and Valley Forge are quality flags that hold up best for me.
I would NEVER buy an American Flag NOT made in America.
My other 2 yardarm flags are switched up regularly and are usually under $10 bargain flags...

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Yarchin:
https://www.bobsflags.com

Under "Confederate Flags", they don't have any Confederate Flags.

I suggest contacting an American Legion Post or VFW. Both of them in my city sell them for very reasonable prices.

quote:

Originally posted by steve495:
I purchased this flag more than 18 months ago.

It's a US maker - Annin Flagmakers.

It's outside 365 days a year in Southern New England and is currently holding up well.

email sent

quote:

Originally posted by snwghst:
Valley Forge is what I fly. US made and has been holding up to the coastal Louisiana sun and wind.

Mines a 5’x 8’

Instant karma..... email me your address. I have a 3x5 I’ll send you made by Valley Forge

Only stipulation is you need to post picture of it flying proud within 48hrs of receipt

I can comply with that, thank you so much for such a kind offer. Email sent.

quote:

Originally posted by JJexp:

quote:

Originally posted by snwghst:
Valley Forge is what I fly. US made and has been holding up to the coastal Louisiana sun and wind.

Mines a 5’x 8’

Instant karma..... email me your address. I have a 3x5 I’ll send you made by Valley Forge

Only stipulation is you need to post picture of it flying proud within 48hrs of receipt

I can comply with that, thank you so much for such a kind offer. Email sent.

Replied

The flag rededicated my flag pole in honor of a friends son, Christian, who started his Plebe year at USMA this fall

quote:

Originally posted by ryan81986:
Annin tough tex flags are the best I've found. And they're relatively inexpensive.

This has been my experience as well. My last one was up a year and a half without any fraying. I replaced it because The colors were starting to fade.

I also fly a 3x5 flag 24/7. I live in New Mexico and sunshine 300 days a year is normal. Winds are also just part of our weather. Even a very good flag for me usually doesn't last more that 6 months, and rarely that. If it does last that long, it will become sun-faded and dingy, so I have to replace it anyway. If you can find a flag that lasts a year, doesn't fade and can be washed to a like new appearance; I would definitely be interested.

Personally, It sounds like your doing pretty good getting a year of service out of a flag.



Bob

quote:

Originally posted by ryan81986:
Annin tough tex flags are the best I've found. And they're relatively inexpensive.

This. I have used their nylon flags for several years now and have found they last the best for me in my area. 100% American made as well.

Very many thanks to Chris, a.k.a. Snwghst, for his generosity. The flag is so nice, it’s almost a shame to put it outside. I was able to brave the cold for a few minutes to stick her up today and snap a picture, and now the house doesn’t look so naked anymore.